Brazilian Food for Germans

A few nights ago, Embratur, the Brazilian tourist organization, set up a cultural event in Berlin, Germany dedicated to a "A Night in Fortaleza" (the largest city in the Northeast of Brazil). Though it may seem a bit random, Brazil has begun a cultural reaching-out campaign to Germany in an effort to encourage more diversified tourism to Brazil beyond the main cities of Rio and Sao Paulo. Germans represent the largest European group of foreign tourists to Brazil; moreover, direct flights from Europe go to Fortaleza, often at a cheaper rate into Brazil compared to Rio and SP. As a result, Embratur has pressed into service Brazilian chefs, farmers and others as part of a cultural exchange to spread the word about Brazil's unique gastronomy and food history--all of which are considered part of the larger cultural legacy of the country. And boy, the Brazilians are not kidding when it comes to spending on this endeavour: for a series of these one night events of Brazilian food (which have taken place in Madrid, Milan, New York, Berlin, and to be followed soon in Amsterdam), the Brazilian tourism ministry is spending BR$330 million!